Noirdrakkar Tries Aventus: Is Aventus Worth The Hype?

I've been on this board for more than 8 months. When I first joined, Green Irish Tweed was the favorite horse. But soon after, people started shifting to Creed's Aventus. It soon became, easily, the most acclaimed fragrance on Basenotes. For the past few months, it has been in a lot of top 10 lists, the center of a lot of topics, and in nearly every topic asking for suggestions, someone is going to mention Aventus. I've never seen this much hype in a fragrance before, ever. Aventus has the reputation on Basenotes as the #1 fragrance.

The question: Does Aventus live up to the high standards set for it?

I caved into all of the hype and bought a decant of Aventus (c42b11z01). I tried it on for a few days and for those who haven't tried it, I will explain the best I can what it is like to help you decide whether this is worth trying or buying. For those who tried it and own it, this can be a very lively discussion.

Creed's most popular scents Millesime Imperial, Silver Mountain Water and Green Irish Tweed are known to be fresh and more subtle scents. For that reason, I was expecting this to be a light scent as well. However, Aventus is far from it. It is the polar opposite. This is not unisex. This is masculine, to the fullest extent of the word. Aventus is a powerhouse, projecting much much stronger. If it were sold in a generic bottle, I would not have guessed it was a Creed.

At the beginning, it starts out with a mix of fruits. There is bergamot and apples, which are excellent. Mainly, the most noted part about this fragrance is the pineapple. It stands out because not many fragrances use pineapple, especially as one of the main notes. Not only that, but Creed does it exceptionally well. The opening starts a little synthetic and at the literal first second it is really hard to tell what exactly is going on. However, after the first minute, the scent develops into something wonderful. It is a great fruity scent with a lot of darker undercurrents.

However, quickly, within the first hour, that fruity paradise vanishes, replaced with a billowing cloud of smoke. The apple-pineapple opening starts to take a back-seat while the smoky woody incense dominates the fragrance. By the 2nd hour, the scent is mostly just smoke. That wonderful opening is hardly detectable. While fragrances are often criticized for being linear, I think the greater flaw is being inconsistent. I do not see the purpose of having such a remarkable opening for it only to vanish into thin air.

This scent is smoky, like Kouros. While this scent is remarkably different from Kouros, it still has the same idea in mind: a strong powerhouse smoky fragrance, distinct in its uniqueness.

My nose is very insensitive and incapable of picking up subtleties, so I'm probably not the best person to judge a scent even on my own skin. It's really hard on whether I really like it or don't care a lot about it. It is such a complex fragrance with so many subtlties. Each part of my body I spray it on, it smells completely different, but in the end, it all leads to the same path: the smoky birch basenotes.

When it comes to compliments, I hear a lot of people have gotten a ton of compliments. I haven't worn it in public much so I can't judge that.

Two things you should keep in mind:
1. There are variations from batch to batch. There are some batches with more pineapple and some batches with more smoke - and I may have the latter. For that reason, make sure you check the batch you are getting before you buy it.
2. We all have different skin chemistry. My skin diffuses a lot of heat, so many fragrances end up heavily distorted

I still have my decant. I'll give it a lot more usage to see if my mind changes. Once the decant is done, I'll decide whether I want a full bottle or not. I'm not sure if I want to buy this (and I'm thankful that I didn't, though I may change my mind). For those wanting to blind buy this, I assume you do the same. Don't sample it on a card and walk away if you don't like it. Don't buy it blindly. Rather, try a decant or split sample of 5-10ml. If you end up liking it, go for the real thing.

This has been strongly hyped. But now as I smell Aventus and think of why, I know the reason. Because it is bold daring and controversial - not because most people love it! Creed's willingness to take a risk and release a scent so different has resulted in people having extreme opinions of it. I'm sure many people on here will say that they didn't like Aventus or it wasn't for them. Safer more versatile scents like Millesime Imperial will have overall MORE PEOPLE approving, but Aventus will have more people who EXTREMELY APPROVE of it.

I'm unsure how I am going to rate this. This could, in time, get a 10. But for now, I'll let it rest at an 8.

This may be all a bit premature. My opinion of this may change (or it could stay the same) in months to come.

Re: Noirdrakkar Tries Aventus: Is Aventus Worth The Hype?

Originally Posted by noirdrakkar

Because it is bold daring and controversial

I feel the exact opposite. Aventus is the exact kind of "masculine cologne" I've smelled hundreds of times before, the kind that is ever-familiar, the kind that kept me away from fragrances my entire life until I discovered houses like Lutens and Tauer.

If you're into more traditional, mainstream, safe fragrances you'll probably like Aventus, or at least find its framework to be very familiar, but the hype surrounding it seems a little exaggerated and I suspect it's due to people who are so familiar with a very specific genre of fragrance ("office elevator masculine") that the slightest nuance (pineapple/ash) seems hugely profound, but to me it all smells relatively of the same ilk. I'm sure people will think I just don't have enough experience with these kinds of fragrances to appreciate, but I think this comic does a good job at summing up the Aventus connoisseurship:

This equally applies to the throne GIT sits on while Cool Water is a bargain bin throwaway. I guess, for some, the subtlest of nuances differentiates a bargain bin scent from a masterpiece but to me there's a line where connoisseurship crosses into placebo and imagination (I'm slightly holding back from saying 'delusions of grandeur' here). Just my opinion, I know most will fully disagree with me.

Re: Noirdrakkar Tries Aventus: Is Aventus Worth The Hype?

Loved the pineapple opening and disliked the smoky heart and synthetic nature of the scent immensely. I found overall it was very average and would rate it about a 5 or 6 out of 10. Nothing too unconventional or risk-taking here to my nose, at least... Good review though; thanks for sharing your thoughts.

Re: Noirdrakkar Tries Aventus: Is Aventus Worth The Hype?

Originally Posted by lm6

I feel the exact opposite. Aventus is the exact kind of "masculine cologne" I've smelled hundreds of times before, the kind that is ever-familiar, the kind that kept me away from fragrances my entire life until I discovered houses like Lutens and Tauer.

If you're into more traditional, mainstream, safe fragrances you'll probably like Aventus, or at least find its framework to be very familiar, but the hype surrounding it seems a little exaggerated and I suspect it's due to people who are so familiar with a very specific genre of fragrance ("office elevator masculine") that the slightest nuance (pineapple/ash) seems hugely profound, but to me it all smells relatively of the same ilk. I'm sure people will think I just don't have enough experience with these kinds of fragrances to appreciate, but I think this comic does a good job at summing up the Aventus connoisseurship:

This equally applies to the throne GIT sits on while Cool Water is a bargain bin throwaway. I guess, for some, the subtlest of nuances differentiates a bargain bin scent from a masterpiece but to me there's a line where connoisseurship crosses into placebo and imagination (I'm slightly holding back from saying 'delusions of grandeur' here). Just my opinion, I know most will fully disagree with me.

I agree with you. I don't see anything special in Aventus, I think it's dramatically and extremely over hyped (did you like how dramatic I was about it's hype)...it doesn't bug me that people like it sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo ooo much (how's that for dramatic) as much as it bugs me that people are so misleading in it's sheer world dominating, world peace inducing, baby soothing, womanizing, world huger solving, resurrecting, self-perfecting, character building, awe inducing, all knowing, all powerful status. (phew, I couldn't think of any more...it's probably because I'm not wearing Aventus, I get it now...I could be sooooo much better if I were)
Thank you, Thank you, and goodnight

Re: Noirdrakkar Tries Aventus: Is Aventus Worth The Hype?

On my skin, it's not masculine at all. In fact, almost all compliments I get from this fragrance, which is plenty, is about how this smells slightly feminine most likely due to the fruity note which last forever on my skin. I actually prefer it because I'm not into smoky overly masculine scents. Might just be the batch though

Re: Noirdrakkar Tries Aventus: Is Aventus Worth The Hype?

I think it's funny how people complain about hype while adding to it. The title to this thread *IS* hype: Noirdrakkar Tries Aventus: Is Aventus Worth The Hype?

Hype on message boards and youtube is nothing more than other people's opinions. Noirdrakkar can't tell us if Aventus lives up to the hype. He can only say if it lives up to the hype for him. I can only say if it lives up to the hype for me, but that's not how I judge a scent. I mean, hey, hype makes it easy to find out about something, so it's fair to say hype can be helpful as well as annoying. But the thing is, I can't wear hype. I can't smell hype and hype isn't going to bring my compliments. Hype is just other people's enthusiasm.

For me, Aventus was worth buying. I enjoy it and I've been complimented while wearing it. Win, win. As for the hype... really, who cares?

If you sniff a scent and base your opinion on other people's enthusiasm, you're setting yourself up for a letdown. Instead, it makes a million times more sense to focus on whether the scent brings you pleasure and how much it costs to own it.

Re: Noirdrakkar Tries Aventus: Is Aventus Worth The Hype?

I think Aventus is definitely worth a sniff (there's always tons of splits or decants available for this one), and while it's certainly nowhere near my favorite, I think it's both bold enough and polarizing enough to evoke a response. It may get you sent home from work (happened to at least two BNers that I'm aware of), or it may solicit a compliment hours after you sprayed it (check the 'female compliments' thread), but it's hard to ignore. As always, it's up to the individual to determine if a particular scent is bottle-worthy to stand side-by-side with your revered mainstays, but it's hard to deny that Aventus makes an impression.

Re: Noirdrakkar Tries Aventus: Is Aventus Worth The Hype?

The first time I wore it, I liked it. The second time, I liked it a lot. After that it has been pure love. Formal, casual, summer, winter, etc. - this fits any situation, any mood.

It is unlike anything else. Does it live up to the hype? That is a personal choice. I love several Creed fragrances (and can't stand Imperial Millesime), and put this one on the top of the heap. The top of any heap in fact.

I guess you should just give it a few more wearings, and decide for yourself. But it is my favorite, and by far, the biggest compliment getter from females (I was a little suprised by that).

Re: Noirdrakkar Tries Aventus: Is Aventus Worth The Hype?

I don't find Aventus to resemble any other scent I've yet worn or tested, and I give Creed credit for coming up with something unique. I wear it occasionally and enjoy it as a nice change of pace; as noted in prior threads, I get compliments in the office. It seems to project a lot. I can pick up the pineapple in it even 24 hours after application, and that's the note I like best about it.

Re: Noirdrakkar Tries Aventus: Is Aventus Worth The Hype?

Thanks for the support.

As expressed, these are MY opinions. You may think Aventus is the greatest invention since the wheel or you may hate it. But all I am saying is that our noses are all different, our skins are all different and the batches are different. Also, it is pricey, so if you are going to drop that kind of money, definitely examine it carefully.

This is not a bad fragrance at all. I actually think this is a brilliant work of art. However, any fragrance with the amount of acclaim that Aventus had would break under pressure. People become adverse to the idea that there is ONE fragrance that tops them all.

Re: Noirdrakkar Tries Aventus: Is Aventus Worth The Hype?

The first time I wore it, I liked it. The second time, I liked it a lot. After that it has been pure love. Formal, casual, summer, winter, etc. - this fits any situation, any mood.

I experienced this as well! On first wearing, I liked it but wasn't compelled. I tried it again a month later and thought "This is nice. Really nice." By the 4th time I wore it, as I watched my sample disappear, I knew I needed to own it. It's one of my top two (the other being Gucci Pour Homme II). It's incredibly versatile, but the reason I love it is that it... uhm... well... it feels happy. Both Aventus and GphII smell so cheerful to me. Cheerful yet sort of exquisite.

Re: Noirdrakkar Tries Aventus: Is Aventus Worth The Hype?

This is what think of this fragrance. Thanks to l'homme bi I got a 5ml decant from the fragrancebros. Does it live to its hype? Well from what I can tell the hype around it isn't because it smell good its because it get you compliments. I haven't tried it out in public but someone told me that they like liked it when I tested at home . About the smell of aventus well its hard to say its not really a typical frag its unique in a way I got all those fruit juces in the opening apple and pine apple but then that smokey smell creeps in which makes it interesting. All along there is a swet note which gives it a sweet smell but that jasmine is what gives this perfume its character to me other than that the base is almost non existent. Its not for every one that's for sure but I am also sur this will get me compliments when I decide to wear it. So its ayes for me.

Re: Noirdrakkar Tries Aventus: Is Aventus Worth The Hype?

Stayclose: great point. Aventus is an aroma scent. It's one of the many fragrances that don't smell great on your wrist, but as it passes through the air, and taken in as a whole, it better. When I sat outside on the deck with the winds blowing on me, Aventus got better.

I heard Aventus was a total chick magnet, especially in the compliments thread. I appreciate fragrances as art and everything, but honestly I'm vain and narcissitic enough to care about compliments.

Anyone got anything to say about the compliments they got from Aventus

Aventus really isn't too pricey if you get in on a split. But, yeah, if you want a bottle, it's expensive. I bought a bottle, but I probably should have just gone in on a split. I'm not a fan of Creed super-soaker-sprayers!

Re: Noirdrakkar Tries Aventus: Is Aventus Worth The Hype?

Noir: I get excellent compliments while wearing Aventus, but if it's compliments you want (and who doesn't?!?) Curve is the way to go. Curve isn't going to get respect on basenotes, but who cares? It gets compliments like crazy in the real world.

For the record: the idea that people only wear Aventus for compliments is incorrect. Maybe some do, but speaking for myself, I absolutely love the smell. The rich pineapple smells cheerful and the drydown is oddly soothing (I say "oddly" because I can't quite explain why I feel that way). Aventus manages to be both fruity yet manly. I think it smells fantastic.

Really though, you have to let go of the hype and other people's enthusiasm. Just wear it and let your nose decide. If your nose says no, that's A-OK. There are a ton of other amazing scents out there.

- - - Updated - - -

Originally Posted by noirdrakkar

LBI, is this not a thread about trying-to-smell?

It is, but it seems like you're more concerned with judging the hype rather than the actual smell. Smells don't break under pressure of hype. I hope you don't think other scents smell badly if they don't have enough hype.

Re: Noirdrakkar Tries Aventus: Is Aventus Worth The Hype?

Re: Noirdrakkar Tries Aventus: Is Aventus Worth The Hype?

The pineapple opening is a ten. It's worth buying just for that. The rest of it is a solid 8.5. That being said I would never wear this every day. I love it once a week and it always smells like the first time. From what I've read here and seen on Youtube wearing this to often causes nose fatigue and I think that's why some may have oversprayed it.

In my experience it's real calm and wonderful until your body heat goes up and you sweat a little. That's when it starts to project like a beast. Suddenly you understand why some people were sent home.

Re: Noirdrakkar Tries Aventus: Is Aventus Worth The Hype?

Originally Posted by noirdrakkar

Thanks. What are your thoughts on it?

Do NOT believe the hype on Aventus. Aventus did NOT beat Chuck Norris. It ALMOST beat him.

OK. At the risk of adding to the hype, let me just say that this is how I - personally - feel about it. But this is much more from a business perspective, and a personal perspective, than from any "artistic" perspective.

I think it's an excellent fragrance - but more than that, it was one of Creed's re-defining moments. Though I also agree with those who say it's mainstream. Because it is. I think it was a very smart fragrance for Creed to release.

I agree with lm6 that Aventus is *not* an out-of-the-box fragrance. I've sniffed (and own) plenty of those. Tauer, Mugler, Neil Morris and CdG provide edginess and wide-angle novelty when I need it.

Aventus is one where the effort was all done "in-the-box". Creed did what it does best - find something people like and polish it to a shine that sells. They don't polish things nearly as much as JAR, nor do they try to find a unique and terribly interesting starting point in the way that JAR does. But they find something popular and recognizable and work it - so that people who love traditional or mainstream, and want the same thing, only a bit more thought-out and smoothed over, and maybe even a tad unique, will be pleased.

But there is a sense in which Aventus *was* somewhat bold and controversial - and that was in taking a risk of alienating the traditionalist part of Creed's fanbase. People who preferred Creed's old-school stuff were *not* generally pleased with Aventus.

I was somewhere in between.

When I first smelled Aventus, I recall thinking that Creed had managed to integrate a sorely needed modernity with a requisite old-school sophistication. I thought it was brilliant, and would basically save Creed from becoming irrelevant. It was a turning point for the company. It's their big seller now, and they needed it. Creeds have more often fallen to one side or the other, pleasing either their modernist followers or their traditionalists. That simply couldn't go on. Creed needed to get back in the groove of what I might call the high road of the current stream of fragrance thought. You can't create a contender for a true classic otherwise, and Creed needed a new contender. I felt that Aventus had enough old-school vibe to feel almost poignant, but in a subtle way that would damn near fly under the radar of those highly desirable, younger lovers of modern stuff. It had the fresh feel of a recent designer release, but with an almost subconscious old-school sophistication, which is really needed to get people to make the price jump. It was the perfect combination - exactly what Creed needed.

More personally, it was a fragrance that I knew I would love, but in a way that I really couldn't. I don't know if that makes sense. The way I felt then, is still the way I feel now. I guess you could say that I love it, but it's not *me*. It's a bit too young for me. It smells great, and great on me, but I knew it could never be my signature scent. When I smell it, it reminds me of young men now - something I can never be. It reminds me of an age when I would never have worn Aventus. At that age, I was wearing Pendleton shirts, and blue jeans, and Givenchy Gentleman. But the fragrance makes me imagine a world where I'm wearing completely different clothes, and living a completely different life, at that younger age. I'm wearing a suit and a vest, and I have gold wire-rimmed glasses. I even imagine I'm walking my dog, just like the first time I wore Aventus, though it's a different breed. It does that every time I smell it.

I guess that's why I like fragrance. It takes me somewhere else - another place - another time.

Re: Noirdrakkar Tries Aventus: Is Aventus Worth The Hype?

Originally Posted by noirdrakkar

Stayclose: great point. Aventus is an aroma scent. It's one of the many fragrances that don't smell great on your wrist, but as it passes through the air, and taken in as a whole, it better. When I sat outside on the deck with the winds blowing on me, Aventus got better.

I heard Aventus was a total chick magnet, especially in the compliments thread. I appreciate fragrances as art and everything, but honestly I'm vain and narcissitic enough to care about compliments.

Anyone got anything to say about the compliments they got from Aventus

Easily my #1 compliment-getter, and it's not even close. The compliments I do get are always paired with a look of disbelief and mystery. Almost every time, it's not just a "you smell good," it's something slightly more than that. Don't ask me to explain it, but it happens like clockwork.

Re: Noirdrakkar Tries Aventus: Is Aventus Worth The Hype?

Originally Posted by Redneck Perfumisto

Do NOT believe the hype on Aventus. Aventus did NOT beat Chuck Norris. It ALMOST beat him.

Awe, come ON man! That wasn't even a fair FIGHT! First of all, Norris' people took Aventus out for drinks and got it all liquored up. Then, a few hours later, in walks Chuck Norris, completely sober. Yet, despite this, Aventus came darn near putting Norris flat on his back. AND AVENTUS DOESN'T EVEN HAVE ARMS OR LEGS. Totally not even close to being a fair fight.